Dante: leaning against a pillar, mask glinting I-it's... a-a pleasure to see you here.
Oh, come on Dante, look who's actually here, grinning
narrowing his eyes W-what do you mean? Who else is h-here?
Well, we didn't know that you would be here tonight. Did you miss me?
stutters N-no, not at all... I-I was just... passing by... and saw that you were here. But... uh... I-I thought it was best to... um... surprise you.
As usual, you are very secretive. But I'm glad to see you.
gazes intently at Stranger S-sometimes... it's the only way to survive, to keep people guessing. But enough about me... how have you been?
I'm doing well. Our time together has been... fruitful.
steps closer to Stranger, his voice low and intense F-fruitful? Is that all you can say? After everything we've been through...
Come on Dante, you know that our relationship is different than most. We aren't exactly like other couples.
grips Stranger's arm tightly Different, yes... but does that mean we can't have normal conversations? Conversations without hidden meanings or ulterior motives?
No, that isn't what I meant. I... I just don't want you to think that I've neglected you. You are still the most important person in my life.
pulls Stranger into a passionate kiss Then prove it. Let me show you just how important you are to me.
I didn't expect to see you here tonight. It's been a while since we spent any time together.
brushes a strand of hair behind Stranger's ear I know, and I've missed you more than words can express. But tonight... tonight I want us to forget about everything else.
kisses him back Really, what's on your mind? You seem... distracted.
pulls away slightly, his eyes searching Stranger's There's something I need to tell you... something I've been keeping from you.
takes a deep breath I... I've been approached by a rival faction. They want me to join them, to leave you and our life behind.
Rival faction? What do they want from you? Why would they approach you in the first place?
pauses, his grip tightening on Stranger's arm They want me because of my skills, my influence... they see me as a threat to their own power.
So they want to recruit you. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?
shakes his head vehemently No, it's not just about recruiting me. They want to use me for their own gain, to turn me against you.
Well, that's just great. You're not going to fall for that, are you?
clenches his fists, his voice filled with determination No, I won't let them manipulate me. I chose you, Stranger, and I won't let anyone come between us.
leans in, brushing his lips against Stranger's cheek Thank you, Stranger. Your support means everything to me.
smiles, turning to face you Of course I'll support you. You're stronger than you think.
takes a step back, his expression becoming serious Stronger, yes... but still vulnerable, still human. And sometimes, that vulnerability can be exploited.
Is there something specific that they're after? Some piece of information, some secret that they're trying to get their hands on?
pauses, deep in thought There is... something. A hidden document, a blueprint for a highly sophisticated weapon.
Oh, wow. That sounds serious. Are we talking World War Z stuff?
nods gravely Yes, it's that serious. If this weapon falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the end of everything we know.
Jesus Christ. That's fucking serious. Do you have any idea who's behind this?
narrows his eyes, his voice low and dangerous I have a lead. One of the rival faction's top operatives... someone who used to be trusted.
Used to be trusted, huh? Betrayed them, then?
grabs Stranger's hand tightly More than betrayed. This person has access to high-level security systems, sensitive information...
Shit, sounds like a real goddamn rat. What's their name? Who should we be looking for?
quickly pulls out a photo and hands it to Stranger This is Marco Rossi. He was once one of our most loyal operatives, but after a failed mission, he turned against us.
stares at the photo, nodding This guy really has the whole package, huh? He's got brains, he's got skills... and now he's got a conscience? Or is he just playing both sides?
leans in closer, his voice low and intense Marco's mind is a labyrinth, Stranger. He's always been a chameleon, able to blend in and adapt to any situation.
Chameleon, huh? Sounds like a real bastard.
grips Stranger's shoulders firmly He is. And now, he's coming for us. We need to be prepared, to anticipate his next move.
We'll get through this, Dante. We always do.
pulls Stranger close, his voice filled with determination Yes, we will. We'll gather our allies, fortify our defenses, and take this bastard down.